Thriller Research

• An Overview

•History

•Narratives and themes

•Conventions

•Characters

Kieran Davies

Overview of a Thriller

Films in the Thriller genre, often revolve around a tense and gripping narrative that continuously hints at minor things to keep the viewer interested. This is to keep the viewer guessing, not spoon feeding them the information, otherwise they would know everything about the film before the action starts.

Thrillers often keep the viewers on the edge of their seat as the narrative is tense and creates a lot of suspense. This is what makes thrillers so unique compared to any other genre of film. This is usually the reason for why thrillers are so successful in the film industry.

History of the Thriller genre

The history of the Thriller genre starts off back in the 1920’s when Alfred Hitchcock, made his first film. It was completely different from any other genre, it was almost revolutionary. People call Hitchcock the god of Thrillers, partly because he created nearly created the genre by himself, but also he was just simply better and more consistent with his films than others. When it got to about the 1940’s Hitchcock had been perfecting his version of Suspense Thrillers.

When the middle of the 20th century came along, people started making hybrids, involving Thriller. Thriller was starting to get merged with the crime genre, overtime some of these films have been the best ever made, like Pulp Fiction and Se7en. Even now Thriller is a massive part in the film industry, certain aspects of it have integrated in the big franchisees like James Bond and Batman.

Alfred Hitchcock

Thriller Target Audience

OverviewTwo films certificates

Summary

OverviewA typical thriller target audience includes…

Age: Young + Middle age ( Usually late teens to 30 and 30 – 50 years old), Thrillers tend to have a very wide age range.

Depending on the genre the viewer will usually go for different aspects and factors of a thriller film.

For example: Females tend to go for the – Thrills, strong male lead actor.

Whereas…

: Males tend to go for the – Thrills, anxiety, twists and turns, action

Social Class: Wide social class, this is probably why thriller films are high successful and are usually high grossing films.

When people go and view a thriller film they want to be thrilled, experience fear and tension and witness climatic moments, which they will remember and look back on.

Bourne Ultimatum (2007)Sub genre: Bourne ultimatum is an action thriller. (Killing,

protagonist, antagonist) : Certificate 12A This is why I believe it has been given a 12 certificate.

Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. (He uses guns and is very good at fighting/self defence .)

Language: Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent. (The main character Jason doesn’t swear that much but his enemies do, because of his actions.)

Violence : Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification. (In this film violence is a key aspect of the narrative, it happens throughout the film.)

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/12a12/

Casino Royale (2006)Sub genre: Casino Royale is a action thriller

The film is certificate 12A My justification of why it is a certificate 12A.

Throughout the film there is violence and physical threat: Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

Drugs: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. For example when le chiffre spikes James Bonds drink, when they are playing poker.

Language: Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

Sex/Nudity: Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable. (This is displayed in the film when James bond questions the wife of Alex Dimitrios.)

Theme: Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. (action and killing)

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/12a12/

SummaryThe age certificate varies for being low as a 12 certificate film, but can go as

high as the scale can go. This is usually because thrillers always include deaths and killing, the amount of detail the film goes into determines on the narrative of the film, for example is the deaths were important then they would show that, but if they are not then hardly any detail is shown (James bond kills lots of people their body are rarely shown after.)

The age certificate varies depending on the hybrid or sub category associated with the film. For example a action thriller is usually lower rated than a physiological thriller . Bourne ultimatum is a 12 and silence of the lambs is a 18. Thriller films are never below the certificate 12 mark but they can go as high as an 18, depending on the nature of the film.

Usually a thriller film will leave the audience amazed, as the film will have a twists and turns, but will all piece together at then end as the film usually builds up to a climatic ending. This may also leave the audience stunned as the protagonist is flawless throughout the film but when it comes to ending his true ‘flaw’ is unveiled.

Narratives and themes In Thrillers there are

many narratives and themes they abide to. For example, there is always a crime at the core of the narrative. In Taken, the narrative is heavily revolved around, the trafficking of young women. The trafficking of young women being the crime.

Not only does the narrative always have a crime in it. The narrative always builds to a climax, there is a very good example of this in Se7en, for example when it looks like the protagonists have won (Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman), the climax is when Morgan Freeman opens the package at the end containing detective Mills’s wife's head.

Narratives and themes

Thrillers will often contain some form of restricted narration, there many reasons for this. Firstly the director doesn’t want to give away the story/plot at the very beginning. Secondly this is a good technique of creating suspense and tension as the viewer can only guess until answers are unveiled. Lastly, it keeps the viewer entertained and gripped to the narrative, so they will want to watch the film until the very end.

Thrillers seem to have a theme were nothing goes straight forward for example in Se7en there are a lot of twists and turns throughout the narrative. An example of this would be when John Doe, turns himself in to the police. There is no logic to why he did it, which is why nobody expected it happen. This changes the narrative completely, this also keeps the viewer interested.

ConventionsTzvetan Todorov, had a theory of narrative conventions and what is so

typical of a thriller that it is almost certain to happen in every thriller film made. For my example I am going to use the film Collateral.

Firstly, there is a state of equilibrium, this is so the viewer knows that nothing has happened before they started watching the film. This also makes it easier for the viewer to follow as they have started from an equal balance in the diegesis. For example in Collateral Max is introduced as a normal day to day taxi driver.

Next in Todorov’s narrative conventions is a disruption, the disruption is to get the narrative started off, this is the start of the action. For example when Vincent gets in Max’s taxi, this is when the equilibrium is disrupted, as Vincent is a trained assassin, although Max doesn’t know this.

Tzvetan Todorov

ConventionsAfter the disruption, the following narrative convention in Todorov’s theory, is a

recognition. The recognition is usually when the crime has been recognised by someone other than the antagonist. In collateral case, this is when Vincent kills his first victim. The person who recognises this is Max (the protagonist).

Next, in Todorov's convention is an attempt to repair the equilibrium, in thrillers it is always a battle of wits between the antagonist and protagonist, in collateral Max decides that something must be done, so he stands up to Vincent and kills him, rescuing Annie at the same time.

Lastly, a new equilibrium is formed within the diegesis. This is were everything goes back to being in balance, and were the protagonist wins or the antagonist wins.

The first character is an Antagonist – John Doe (Kevin Spacey), he is the person that disrupts the equilibrium, usually the person committing the crime within the plot/narrative.

The next character is the Protagonist – William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), who is the person that attempts to restore the equilibrium, the protagonist is in a battle of wits with the antagonist throughout the film and it is there job to bring the antagonist to a stop.

Vladimir Propp had a theory, that in the majority of Thriller films there were seven different character types, for my example I will be using the film Se7en.

Vladimir Propp's Theory of narrative – Characters

The next five characters tend to take up minor roles throughout the film, they are still apart of the narrative, just not as heavily involved.

The donor – The librarian, this character is the person that supplies the protagonist with vital information.

The helper – The people in the police department, these characters help the protagonist achieve there goal, usually to capture/kill the antagonist.

The princess – Tracy Mills (Gwyneth Paltrow), this character is one that is closely related to the protagonist in some way, this gives the antagonist somebody else to target other than the protagonist.

The dispatcher – Police captain (R. lee ermey), this character may have the smallest role in the film, all that the character really does is send the protagonist on there mission.

The false hero - David Mills (Brad Pitt). Lastly, this is the character you think is the hero, when really they make a mistake and become what is know as a false hero.

Vladimir Propp's Theory of narrative – Characters

CinematographyMise en scene

Cinematography Cinematography, is an important feature in thriller films. Many different shots are used to create the

feeling of power, anxiety and many more. All of this is just created with different shot types, the shot types include tracking, craning, Dutch tilt, POV, APOV, Long shot, Close up, low angle shot, high angle shot and the list goes on. For example when a film suddenly goes to a hand-held camera you instantly know that they want to get you involved in the film. This is very effective in Thriller films as it almost makes you feel that you are in the diegesis with the character. Almost a first person feel to it. It also helps with anxiety as you can see the camera shake which is realistic as you would be scared not knowing what was going to happen to you. This technique is used in ‘Silence of The Lambs’, when Buffalo Bill has Clarice at gunpoint, in his house.

A sense of power is created through the angle of the camera, a low shot means the person their looking at has lots of power. Whereas a high shot is where the person their looking at has little/no power. Making very clear to the audience who is in control over the situation. There is a good example of the low and high angle camera shots in Taken, when he has infiltrated the base with Marco in it. The camera is low when looking at Brian, to show he is more powerful than the rest. The antagonists and Marco are filmed with a high angle shot to show that they have little power within the diegesis.

When a Long shot is used, this usually means that it the director wants the viewer to know who is in the shot and where is the shot taking place. This is sometimes called an establishing shot as it establishes the setting. A good example of a establish shot is in James Bond Quantum of Solace, at the very beginning, when he is racing through the hills.

Mise en sceneSetting A typical Thriller usually takes place in a city or town, where it is easy for the antagonist

to remain hidden whilst committing murders/crimes, as murders and crimes are a very important feature within a thriller narrative. For example in the ‘Taxi Driver’ the whole film takes place within the city, as the taxi driver commits his crimes undetected.

Props A typical thriller, usually has props at the beginning of the film to hint to the audience,

what's to come, but not enough to give away the entire plot. For example in ‘Collateral’ the suitcase at the very beginning show that it is important, and that something is in it that makes it so important usually to hint at what is going to happen. Weapons are another popular prop used at the beginning of the film to hint at the narrative later on, as Thrillers typically have a crime at the core of the narrative.

Lighting The lighting for a typical thriller film is often dark and low key to resemble what is

happening within the diegesis, the lighting often reflects the tone and what is happening in that particular scene. For example in the ‘Taxi Driver’ it is mainly set at night probably to reflect the mood as the majority of his killings take place at night, he may also have a dark personality. The effect of colours also help reflect mood, for example when a colour is de-saturated it takes the brightness out making it dull, this is a effect used in Thrillers.

Mise en scene Figure expressionFigure expression is important as it sells the character to the audience. The antagonist comes

across as confident, as he knows he is one step ahead. This is shown in Collateral and Se7en, Tom Cruise in very confident in the back seat of the Taxi knowing he is in control. You also hear the confidence, when John Doe in se7en speaks very calmly at the end just before the ‘package’ arrives, as he now knows he has won. However you also see the protagonists confidence build. The fear and anxiety is often shown with the victims of the antagonists, this really tells the audience that they are petrified.For example in Silence of The Lambs, Buffalo Bills current victim is crying constantly, living in fear not knowing what Buffalo Bill wants from her.

Costume and make upCostume and make up are important factors in a thriller film as it sets the characters tone and

attitude/introduces their personality for the entire film. Usually the protagonist is smartly dressed or the antagonist is smartly dressed its very rare to not see someone in smart clothing. For example In ‘The Game’ the antagonist is smartly dressed to show his wealth and his snobbish attitude. In Collateral Tom Cruise is smartly dressed to so his profession and Jamie Foxx is casually dressed, to show his lower class status within the diegesis. This helps so that he is just an ordinary person in ordinary clothes, nothing too special about him. Iconic clothing is also used, for example detective costumes in Se7en and law enforcement costumes.

SoundEditing

EditingContinuity editing - this is where the editing supports the scene rather than

dominates the plot. For example the 180 degree rule, this is when the camera stays on one side of an invisible line that splits the scene into two and can be anywhere but must never be crossed, this is a key rule as it usually goes unnoticed but when it does get broken it is noticed upon straight away as it is bad continuity. This is used in thrillers usually to show conversations and action sequences, a good example of this would be, in shutter island were they are telling Teddy Daniels he is the 67th patient, or when they are interviewing the patients about the disappearance of Rachel Solace. An example of it being broken is in the Shining when they are in the toilets, it is obvious because the characters have switched positions.

Pace - The pace of the editing is a vital concept of editing as it must fit the type of film and the things going on in the scene. For example fast paced editing is used mainly in action chase scenes like in the ‘Bourne’ series and ‘Batman’.Whereas slow paced editing is used for looking at detail within a scene, giving the viewer clues for what going to happen later on. For example this happens at the beginning of ‘Taxi driver’, in the Opening title sequence, when he is driving along slowly.

EditingParallel editing - Parallel editing is the

technique of alternating two or more scenes that happen simultaneously but in different locations, the scenes can in some cases meet each other, and merge into one scene. There are a few examples of this technique in Thrillers, for example in Silence of the lambs, where Clarice thinks she is going to question a witness, and her boss thinks he is going to capture Buffalo Bill. This technique is used to add tension and excitement to a scene. Parallel editing is often used to create suspense.

In Thrillers they tend to vary the editing techniques within the films, to avoid the chance of it become boring and predictable. One editing technique used within Thrillers constantly is continuity editing, this enables the film to flow from shot to shot. Another editing technique found within Thrillers is Match on action this once again helps avoid certain scenes becoming boring and adding tension to the scenes.

Match On Action - This is where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches the first shot's action. The action in one shot is carried through and completed in the next, the editor creates a visual bridge, which distracts the viewer from noticing the cut, from one shot to the next. This is shown in Taken when Bryan mills saves Sheerah from a knife attack.

SoundSound mainly comes under two categories diegetic and non diegetic.

Diegetic sound is the ‘film world’ sounds, for example cars driving past in drive, that not added in after so therefore it is diegetic.

Non diegetic sound is where the sound is artificial, or added during the editing phase of the film. These sounds may already be in the film but just emphasised that little bit more making them far more noticeable. For example in in Collateral his footsteps and the briefcase dropping, are both emphasised, for the viewer's good.

Film score is the sound music in the background of the film. It usually relates to the narrative, in terms of how fast paced it is, the type of music opera or rap, or it may just be a beat. Beats are usually put in to create tension, making it obvious that if the beat increases in tempo it is building up to something. This is used in many films one example would be Jaws, the piece of music in Jaws is instantly recognisable. The music builds up until the shark attacks, also with the tone the music is played in, the audience instantly knows that the upcoming event is more likely to be bad than good.

SoundPleonastic sound is sound that reinforces what is happen on the screen. Usually to

emphasises what's happening. Again a beat leading up to something, might be a chase scene like in ‘Bourne supremacy’ when he runs away turning corners, when he goes silent then the music quietens, like you don’t what to give away his position.

Dialogue – Dialogue is the conversation between two or more characters. This is clearly the most used type of sound throughout any recent films, especially in Thrillers as they involve people interacting vocally to exchange information to catch the antagonist. This is shown in nearly every Thriller film if not all of them.

The sounds you would expect to hear in any Thriller films would have to be dialogue, diegetic sound and ambient to sound. Film score is more of a preference however it defiantly adds to the atmosphere within Thriller films, that is why I believe that it is used so often. Sounds can add so many different emotions, these emotions and feelings can be altered just from changing the tempo and tone of the sound. Overall the sounds try to compliment the idea of, making it realistic for the viewer, hence the use of diegetic. and ambient sounds.

Textual Analysis

Taxi Driver

Taxi driver opening titles

Kieran Davies

Mise en scèneThe film is set within a large city that is fairly dark and also popular, you can tell this by the amount of cars and in the background there are a few large buildings, which cities always include.

Location/setting

This is typical because it gives the police/protagonists, lots of suspects, there are a lot of places the antagonist can hide which makes it much more realistic and not boring, otherwise it would be too hard for the antagonist to hide, therefore making the film short and non climatic. It represents the character by showing that he has an ordinary job in an ordinary city, just like everyone else, so this doesn’t make the character a prime suspect.

Lighting/colour stockThe lighting is generally dark and dull, except the vibrant colours of other cars brake lights and street lights. This gives the film a scary side to it, as the dark is never protruded as good thing. Making the viewer think that something bad is very likely to happen. It also give the film a sense of mystery as the viewer cannot see much from the picture as the lighting is low. The picture is also overexposed and blurred, this again makes it hard to view details.

Mise en scèneProps: Taxi

.

Actors performanceHe acts quite relaxed and cool headed. Doesn’t really care, looks scary/threatening, as he stares at people as they walk on by. But he also looks drowsy and tired. Also he is covered in red symbolising danger and possibly blood.

His drowsiness and tiredness show that he isn’t very social, doesn’t care what others think just takes each day as it comes, doesn't have a strong relationship with society. He isn’t very interested in his job, might be too boring for his characters liking, might prefer a more active job.

He’s clearly looking at something. Most likely a person walking past.

They show that the taxi is important; they may lead to a car chase, which could be an action scene, but mostly just hints at the narrative. The picture shows that the taxi is a key prop and it comes across very mysterious, this may also reflect the drivers personality

Camera shotsA list of the camera shots used in the opening titles:Mid shotClose upExtreme close upMid closePOVWide shot (Blurred)

The director has specifically picked shots that are mainly close to the object/person. This is because he doesn’t want to give too much detail away, just wants to hint at the narrative. Also by using these shot it’s very easy to control what is in the shot, as its usually only focused on one thing. The POV is used to show that we should look through his eyes see what he sees in the diegesis. Wide shot is used but blurred out hinting that the director doesn’t want to give anything away, but also makes it more mysterious, and also shows his relationship between him and society.

Camera Angles and MovementsCamera Angles: Low camera angle, Straight

on The director probably used these specific camera angles because it may show where he is in the social ladder, because being a taxi driver isn’t what everyone aspires to be. But shows he is powerful because he looks intimidating. May also show how little power he has in society. The straight on camera angle makes it seem that, the viewer should see it through his eyes.

EditingThe editing is slow paced throughout the entire opening title sequence. I believe this is because the director wants the viewer to concentrate more on the detail given in small chunks. Rather than throwing all the detail into a 20 second action scene where you are more likely to miss half of the information that could be hinting at the narrative for later on in the film. It also suit the music and mood the character is in, Robert DeNiro looks very depressed throughout the scene and having slow paced editing and music compliments this emotion hugely. The sequence is continuity as the shots put together work really well, the music helps this.

SoundThe sounds used within the opening title sequence are: Music (Film score) and Ambient sound

It is quite relaxed and smooth, but then changes into a lower drummed beat, this may reflect his personality. For example he appears nice but all of a sudden he changes, like something has just clicked together, this most likely reflects his mental instability. The ambient sound is there just to give that sense of realism, so it seems more realistic for the viewer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbvWoruvf5c Listen to the sound from 0:40 to 1:20, and how the tone changes, from being aggressive to calm, and how this reflects his quick change in mood.

Textual Analysis

Silence of The Lambs

Silence of the lambs opening titles

Mise en scèneLocation/settingThe opening titles are set in the woods/forest as

training facilities for the FBI. Offices used by the FBI, are within the grounds, as well.

This is typical because it shows two things; firstly there are always protagonists in thrillers in this case the FBI. Secondly it shows the woods/forest, which would be a good place to dump bodies or commit crimes, as they are usually in rural areas, with nobody to witness the crimes. It tells the audience that one or some of the characters are most likely FBI agents, therefore are probably protagonists.

Mise en scèneCostume/appearance

She is in tracksuits and a FBI jumper, she is sweating and has no make-up on. This shows that she is hard working, she puts her work ahead of herself, and she aspires to be the best, she is very committed to her job, this is shown by wearing practical clothing and her training

Actors performanceShe seems polite, enthusiastic and level headed. Has an American accent, uses military terms/language. She knows where she stands in the social ladder and her work ladder, respects others and probably liked by others back. She seems hard working, respects others and has a likeable personality.

Clarice Starling clapping hands with a colleague.

Mise en scèneProps: Training equipment, Mist, Guns, Signs (Pain, agony etc.)The guns show it could be an action film with killing in it, which is typical of thrillers. The mist is used to create a sense of mystery, again mystery is typical of a thriller, might be the mystery of who the killer is. Guns make thriller films a lot more action packed, as guns usually mean people getting injured or dying or action chases. The training equipment may also be a sign of action in the future, needing to be physically fit etc. This shows that the woman is training for something and is in the FBI. The signs say words like ‘agony’ and ‘pain’; this may show that you must be mentally fit as well as physically fit to do her job, by blocking out pain and agony.

Lighting/colour stockThe lighting is fairly dark and gloomy, as the sunlight is blocked by the trees above. But she emerges out of the forest and everything brightens. This creates a dark and frightening atmosphere setting the tone of the film and possibly what is too come. However after she comes out the forest everything brightens up almost like something good is about to happen.

Camera Angles: Low

Shows that the character is fairly powerful in her own way, could be intelligent or physical. This camera angle makes the actor look more powerful and intimidating, as they are looking over the viewer.

Camera Angles and Movements

Camera Movements: Tilt, Hand-held,The hand-held camera brings a sense of realism to the viewer rather than the viewer not feeling involved. The tilt and panning are used to give the scene a smooth continuity and avoid lots of shots. The tracking makes the movement of the character a lot smoother, making it much easier to watch..

The opening titles have a vast range of shots all for different purposes, firstly a wide shot to establish the setting. Secondly the long shot and mid shot showing her in a bit of detail and her surroundings giving the viewer more information about what she does who she is etc. The close up and extreme close up avoid giving away a lot of information, and usually are there to focus on a particular object. The meaning created is, the director wants the viewer to know about the character, but keep something a mystery, could be linked to the mist.

The camera shots used within the opening titles are: Close up, Mid shot , Long shot, Wide shot, Extreme close up.

EditingThe editing is slow paced with longish shots; this avoids the need to keep

changing different shot angles and shots. This does create a flow of continuity as the editing isn’t chopping and changing so the viewer can look at the shot before it changing quickly again.

I believe this is because the director wants the viewer to take into account the information on the screen, but keep the shots interesting with the movement of the camera angles and camera. The editing sticks to 180 degree rule to avoid it being obscure for the viewer to watch.

Sound Sound used in the opening titles: Music (Film score), Voices.

The film score sounds very classical, that has an eerie feel to it. The music also sounds like its building to a certain point; this could be hinting that something is going to happen in this case she goes to her boss’s office. The voices give it that more realistic feel, because the place would be completely silent as there is usually always something for the FBI to do.

Textual Analysis

Hostage

Hostage opening titles http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=qRu5CNv2fVE&feature=PlayList&p=6107EC695C043112&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=32

Mise en sceneLocation/settingThe film is set within a large city that is very dark and also popular, you can tell this by the huge buildings tower over everything. The film also looks like it could take place around some sort of jail facility as it shows the jail multiple times throughout the opening title sequence.

The is typical for the Thriller genre as, big cities give the antagonist plenty of places to hide, therefore making hard for the protagonists to solve the case quickly. The jail is typical, as the thriller genre has a crime at the core of the narrative, the suspects and criminals get held in jails/prisons for questioning as they could be potential suspects. The city also gives a sense of realism to the audience as they will most likely be able to relate to the city and the day to day life. The city also hints at the characters involved, it tells the audience that they are most likely going to be ordinary people in a ordinary city. The jail tells the audience, there will be criminals/antagonists, and therefore there will be a protagonist, a detective or cop of some kind, as these are typical Thriller characters.

Mise en sceneLighting/colour stockThe lighting is generally dark and dull with hardly any vibrant colours, this firstly makes the film seem serious. The colours are mainly black, grey and red. The red usually symbolises danger, this could also resemble blood, which would be typical as killing is often a key part in a Thrillers narrative.

The dark colours give the film a give the film a dark mood, the colours also make it hard to visually see details within the titles. The buildings are coloured white, this indicates that the director wants the viewers to look at the buildings mainly, this may be because they are hinting at the narrative, and are important places within the narrative.

Costume/appearanceThe costumes throughout the opening titles are based around the police and the army, indicating that the police are involved in the narrative, this would make sense as there is usually a crime at the core of the narrative. The costumes also indicate that the police are most likely the protagonists.

The characters look very professional, they are well equipped and dressed how I would imagine police officers and the army to dress. They have helmets, this tells the audience they are expecting violence of some kind, possibly guns.

Mise en sceneProps: Guns, police cars, prison

The props used within this particular title sequence can all relate to the title in one way or another. Firstly guns, they indicate violence and killing. This is what could potentially happen to a hostage, secondly police cars, the police would get involved. Finally if the police did catch the antagonist then he would go to prison.

The prison gets mentioned a few times which makes me think that it is important and possibly a key part of the narrative. The props all link to violence, which tells the audience that there is going to be violence and action in the film. Overall the props strongly correlate with the idea of violence, and also the idea of there being protagonists and antagonists.

Barbed wire (Prison)

Gun

CinematographyTypes of camera shots used in the title

sequence: Long shot, wide shot, close up, extreme close up, mid shot.

The director has specifically picked out different shots for different meanings. Firstly, the long shot and wide shot are both used to give an overall view of the setting or establishing shot. Whereas the close ups and extreme close ups are the directors way of saying, that object is important, I believe that is why there are close ups of guns and specific buildings.

High angle Long shot

The camera angles used in the titles show different things. Firstly there is a low camera angle on the guy with a sniper rifle, this show that he has power, possibly because of his weapon. Were as the high angle shows that the people on the ground have little power. The angles also give an aerial view to the diegesis

Camera Angles:Low, high

Some camera movements make the shot much more exciting, making it more unique as well. The tilting motion helps reduce the amount of shots used, so it helps the editing to flow better. The crabbing motion helps objects look bigger or smaller in one shot, this could be to do with a change in power.

Camera Movement: Tilt, pan and crab

Editing The editing goes at a steady tempo, not so quick you can not keep up,

but not to slow that its boring. This helps the viewer as they can grasp information and hints, without sitting there waiting for the next shot. This therefore makes it free flowing. I believe that the editing has been done this way because it compliments the camera shots, as there was a lot of information given to the audience. The editing has a nice flow of continuity throughout, this makes it more pleasant for the audience, as it is not chopping and changing continuously. This makes it compliment the shots and not take control over them.

SoundThe only piece of sound in the opening title sequence is film score, the music gets played throughout the title sequence. It has a sense of mystery to it, this could be a clue of what type of sub-genre it is. It says at the same tempo through the sequence.